Southern Plains 4-H Newsletter
Serving Nuckolls and Thayer Counties - Mar. 1, 2022
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Note From Kylie
Enrollment reminders & YQCA Platform Closing Unexpectedly
Nuckolls County - 80 members and volunteers
Thayer County - 75 members and volunteers
As you enroll, make sure you carefully review your project areas. You must enroll in horse and shooting sports new each year because they have specific release forms to virtually sign. If you did not purposefully enroll in horse and shooting sports projects, make sure you go back and enroll in those project areas.
Also, thank you to everyone who attended our February workshops. We have two lined up in March and 3 lined up in April, along with a 4-H kick off event on April 25.
YQCA Web Site Shut Down - IMPORTANT
State 4-H let us know on Friday Feb. 25 that the YQCA web site hosting platform is unexpectedly shutting down on March 23, 2022.
If you've completed YQCA in 2022, PLEASE LOG IN, PRINT AND SEND YOUR CERTIFICATES to your local office by March 15 so we can get them recorded. If you do not login in, print, and submit your certificates, your 2022 YQCA completion record will be lost.
We are assuming the April 24 YQCA session in Nelson can still happen once the new platform launches, but we don't have any other information other than the current platform will shut down March 23. Thank you for your patience and your timely attention to printing your certificates.
National 4-H Annual Index
Nebraska 4-H is participating in the National 4-H Annual Index, a national 4-H study designed to help us evaluate the positive youth development experience and 4-H program impacts experienced by youth across the country. If your youth are in the target age range (13-18 years old) and were enrolled in 4-H in 2021, you will receive an e-mail invitation from Nebraska 4-H at the email address provided in your enrollment profile.
We encourage your participation in telling the 4-H story! Please reach out if you have any questions.
How to enroll in 4-H for 2022
Your 2021 4-H Online bookmarks/saved sites WILL NOT WORK. Please visit this link to enroll for 2022:
https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
We encourage all 4-H youth and volunteers (club leaders, project leaders, 4-H Council members, Extension Board members) to enroll in 4-H on 4-H online as soon as possible so you don't miss any contest entry deadlines, workshop information, or event details. All direct volunteers are required to enroll as volunteers in 4-H Online each year (the DHSS screening is every 5 years) to be compliant with Nebraska 4-H volunteer screening rules.
The Nebraska 4-H statewide enrollment deadline is June 15, 2022, but please enroll at your earliest convenience because you will miss out on events, activities, workshops and 4-H news if you wait until June to enroll.
For step-by-step 4-H Online 2.0 enrollment instructions with photo guides, check out this PDF or visit the Enroll a New Member or Enroll a Returning Member. As always, if you have any questions or technical difficulties, please reach out to your local extension office.
Spring 2022 Fruit Sales
CWF 4-H youth are selling fruit once again. This will be the final fruit sale for those participating on the 2022 CWF Trip.
Sales must be turned in by March 4th with a March 16th delivery date.
Fruit may be purchased directly from the CWF youth. Online orders are preferred and may be made at myfruitsale.com. Contact a 4-Her who plans to participate in a CWF trip to acquire their sales information and student code ID.
You may also go to the website and select to Shop Online. You will be asked to select the State (Nebraska) and the Group (Southern Plains 4H) to give your order credit to our CWF group. All fruit available will appear for you to purchase. Just use your credit card to make your payment and your fruit will be delivered to you by a 4-Her.
If you would like a specific student's code so you can order from them, please contact the extension office or that student. Please show your support!
EVENTS
Looking for dog project practice interest in Nuckolls and Thayer Counties
If you and your dog are interested in attending regular dog practices, please call your local extension office so we can see if Nuckolls-Thayer youth have enough interest to start this group. Please call by March 15 so we can let these volunteers know if scheduling an organizational meeting is worth their time.
Message Board Workshop - March 3
Thurs. March 3
4-5:30 p.m.
$15 per youth
Nuckolls County Extension Office - Nelson
Lucky Stradley, Monster Pot Planter Pottery Workshop - March 11
Friday, March 11, starting a 1:30 until 4:30 pm
Thayer County Extension Clubroom - Hebron
Cost is $20.00 for a fired pot, unglazed, and ready to paint yourself
or $25.00 for a fired, painted, glazed and ready to pot up with your favorite plant (plant not included)
Register to save your place by March 3 by calling your local extension office. This kind of class has filled quickly in the past for these fun, one-of-a-kind pottery creations.
2022 Southern Plains 4-H Public Speaking Contest Apr. 3
To enter, call your local extension office with your name and speech/PSA title by March 31.
Wild Rag Workshop Apr. 11
When: April 11th @ 4-5:30 p.m.
Where: Nuckolls Co. Extension Office
Cost: TBA
First Aid Kit Workshop April 21
Small Animal Showmanship Clinic April 24
Bring your animal with you! If your animal needs proof of vaccination papers to show at the fair, you must bring those with you, too!
2022 4-H Kick Off
STATEWIDE HORSE, SMALL ANIMAL & LIVESTOCK OPPORTUNITIES
4-H Spring Rabbit Show in Lincoln March 19
Registration 7:30–8:30 a.m. Open to all youth ages 8–18, with a Clover Kids class for youth ages 5–7. This is a great opportunity for youth to learn from other 4-H’ers about where to purchase a show-quality rabbit for a 4-H project, and to learn and practice showmanship. Rabbit Quiz and Breed Identification contests are free to enter! Show flyer is at https://lancaster.unl.edu/.../Rabbit-Show-Spring-22.pdf.
If questions, contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
2022 District Horse Show Dates Announced
Nebraska 4-H has finalized the 2022 Horse Districts Locations and Dates for you to add to your 2022 calendars.
2022 Districts Dates and Sites:
June 6- Chadron, NE
June 7- Guide Rock, NE
June 8- Albion, NE
June 9- Raymond, NE
June 10- Kearney, NE
Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program
Nebraska 4-H is excited to announce the second year of the Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program. This additional opportunity for enrolled livestock project youth, is designed to promote all educational aspects of 4-H livestock projects including selection, production, leadership, and exhibition by recognizing youth striving to improve in their livestock project knowledge and leadership.
The program recognizes Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas, including: beef, sheep, meat goat, swine, dairy cattle, dairy goat, rabbit, and poultry.
The program consists of two levels that require 4-H members to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate and project-related accomplishments. For each level, the Livestock Achievement Program provides a list of accomplishments from which 4-H members choose their goals. Each accomplishment is worth a specific number of points. Intermediates, ages 10-13, must complete 100 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Intermediate Member of Excellence. Seniors, ages 14-18, must complete 150 points worth of activities to receive the distinction of Senior Member of Excellence. The Plan and Reports, linked on the webpage, show examples of the project related accomplishments they can choose, or they can identify their own with approval of their local educator.
Applications/Sign up are due June 15th through the application form link on the website. Plan and Reports, as well as Project Records will be due August 10 via the completion form on the website. Youth completing the achievement program and receiving member of excellence recognition in the various species will be recognized during the Parade of Champions, 4-H weekend at the Nebraska State Fair.
For more information or to apply, go to: Livestock Achievement Program | Nebraska 4-H (unl.edu)
Virtual Horse Judging Practice Opportunity
Check out Nebraska Extension's Practice Horse Judging contest!
Do you coach, or participate in, competitive Horse Judging or Hippology? Are you looking for classes to practice? Check out this opportunity. Register for this course and you will have access to 6 classes to judge, along with the official placings, and an official critique, to learn why the classes were placed the way they were. The course becomes available January 15, and closes on July 15. You can access as many times as you want in that time period, and can join anytime. This is completely self-directed, so go at your own pace, whenever you wish. Go to: https://catalog.extension.org/product?catalog=HorseJudgingContest
4-H Small Animal Clinic in Phelps County March 5
Located in Holdrege Nebraska at the Phelps County Ag Center, 1308 2nd Street. For more information call (308) 995-4222.
2022 UNL Chick Days March 26
An educational event for small and back-yard poultry producers and youth featuring speakers on the following topics:
10:00 am-- Backyard flock health - Dr. Don Reynolds
10:30 am-- Inspection regulations for small flock egg and meat producers- Dr. Gary Sullivan
11:00 am-- A balanced diet for your backyard flock - Dr. Patrick Biggs, Purina
11: 30 am-- Planning ahead for your 4-H Poultry Projects - Brett Kreifels, Douglas/Sarpy
County Extension Leader
Plus Youth and Adult Exhibits and Competitions in Egg Art and Photography
12:00 pm-- Lunch (see cost below)- Question/Answer period with speakers
1: 00 pm-- Poultry Judging Short Format Clinic
Animal Science Complex, University of Nebraska-East Campus, Student Commons
RSVP to spurdum2@unl.edu by March 20--your interests, # attendees and lunch order
COSTS: Symposium talks-FREE
Lunch: $10/youth; $15/Adults;
Judging Clinic: $15.00
Fun Prizes—Cash and Ribbons
NDA Advises Poultry Owners to Watch for Avian Influenza
As part of existing avian influenza response plans, NDA is working alongside federal and state partners to monitor for the disease in commercial poultry operations, backyard poultry flocks, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations. Symptoms of HPAI in poultry include: a decrease in water consumption; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea. HPAI can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing any other symptoms. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.
NDA is asking Nebraska poultry producers, large and small, to monitor their flocks for symptoms of HPAI, review and maintain their biosecurity activities, and notify NDA immediately if they suspect any problems. Bird owners should report unusual bird deaths or sick birds to NDA at 800-831-0550 or 402-471-2351, or through USDA at 866-536-7593. Enhanced biosecurity helps prevent the introduction and spread of viruses and diseases including HPAI. NDA and USDA have resources available to help poultry owners step up their biosecurity efforts.
• Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases like HPAI. Be on the lookout for unusual signs of behavior, severe illness and/or sudden deaths.
• Restrict access to your property and poultry.
• Keep it clean. Wear clean clothes, scrub boots/shoes with disinfectant and wash hands thoroughly before and after contact with your flock.
• If you, your employees or family have been on other farms, or other places where there is livestock and/or poultry, clean and disinfect your vehicle tires and equipment before returning home.
• Don’t share equipment, tools, or other supplies with other livestock or poultry owners.
• In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, making sure wild birds cannot access domestic poultry’s feed and water sources.
• Report sick birds immediately to: NDA at 800-831-0550 or 402-471-2351; the USDA at 866-536-7593; or your veterinarian. Early detection is important to prevent the spread of disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk to people getting HPAI infections from birds is low. No human cases of avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.
All poultry entering Nebraska must be accompanied by a VS form 9-3 or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI, or health certificate). If you are considering moving an animal into Nebraska from an affected state, please call 402-471-2351 to learn more. Nebraska poultry owners wanting to ship poultry out of state should consult the state veterinarians of the destination states for import requirements. For more information about avian influenza, visit NDA’s website at https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html or the USDA’s website https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/.
HORTICULTURE AND AGRONOMY OPPORTUNITIES
2022 Special Agronomy Project is Broomcorn Sorghum
The Nebraska Extension Special Agronomy Project gives 4-H members an opportunity to experience a crop that is grown, was grown or has the potential to be grown in Nebraska. Youth participate by receiving seed and resources to grow the crop, research traits of the crop and determine the viability of that crop in the part of the state they live. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different.
The focus of the 2022 Special Agronomy Project is Broomcorn Sorghum. Broomcorn can be used for ornamental uses in floral arrangements or harvested for broom-use prior to seed maturity. To participate in the Special Agronomy Project, enroll in the project through 4-H Online and call your local extension office to reserve seed.
There are three ways to complete this at the county or state fair. First, an educational exhibit that can be in a poster format can include what you learned. Secondly, let your creativity go wild and create a video-type presentation explaining what you have learned, showing the growing process, etc. Finally, you can enter the crop itself. To do this, cut 4 stalks at the ground level and bound-together with supporting information about the project. For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.
SCHOLARSHIP AND LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Environment and Leadership Youth Camp Scholarship (4-H, FFA and Others)
The Little Blue Natural Resources District will award up to ten $100 environmental and leadership youth camp scholarships to 4-H, FFA or other youth organizational members who reside within the District.
The scholarships are intended to provide some financial assistance to youth who otherwise may not have the resources or ability to experience one of our outstanding youth camps. Let your local extension office know, and they can give you the scholarship application to fill out and return to the Little Blue NRD office by April 5, 2022 along with a copy of your camp registration. The payments will be made directly to the youth for the event.
Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship - Nuckolls County Seniors Eligible
2022 NE Ag Youth Institute (NAYI) Applications Now Available
Thayer County 4-H Council Scholarship Application Due by March 15
The Thayer County 4-H Council will be awarding up to $2000 total each year in scholarships to high school seniors (of the current year) to continue higher education. Each award is $250.
Scholarship applications can be obtained from the Extension office or found on the Southern Plains 4-H resources web page.
Applications must be received at the Thayer County Extension Office via email or hard copy by March 15 of the year the senior is graduating. Senior Thayer County 4-H members who apply for the scholarship must meet the following criteria to be eligible to earn the scholarship:
Graduate from high school during the spring of the current year.
Have been enrolled in 4-H for four consecutive years, including this past year.
Submitted 4-H achievement application record books by the county record book deadline for their junior and senior years.
The Thayer County 4-H Council Awards Committee will review applications and determine award winners. Announcement of winners will be made prior to high school graduation. Scholarship money will be sent to the student, in the student's name, following verification of fall grades and spring enrollment at the school the student is attending via official or unofficial school transcripts sent to the extension office via email or via mail, in the spring of the student’s first year.
Find the application here: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/southernplains/Thayer%20Co.%204-H%20Council%20Scholarship%20UPDATE_Use.pdf
New Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Program
Nebraska 4-H is now accepting nominations for a new awards program to recognize the outstanding contributions of 4-H volunteers across the state.
The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Recognition Awards honors adult and youth volunteers, as well as and multi-generational families, who have provided meaningful contributions to Nebraska 4-H. One Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award and One Emerging Adult Volunteer Award winner will be chosen for each of the state’s 11 Nebraska Extension Engagement zones. One statewide winner will be named in the each of the youth volunteer and multi-generational family categories.
The nomination period runs through March 15. Nominations can be submitted by any 4-H member, family, supporter, or Extension staff member. Nominees must fit the award categories and can be a volunteer for any Nebraska 4-H experience. Some examples may include 4-H club leader, project leader, junior leader, county or State Fair volunteer, special interest volunteer, such as robotics or shooting sports, afterschool club volunteer or 4-H camp volunteer. More information, along with the nomination form, is available online at: https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition.
Winners will be announced virtually the week of April 18, in which Nebraska 4-H will be celebrating the Week of the Volunteer. A special awards presentation will take place at the 2022 Nebraska State Fair.
For more information, visit https://4h.unl.edu/volunteers/recognition
4-H CAMPS
Program Highlights:
- Nebraska 4-H Camps has several exciting youth programs available for summer 2022!
- Beautiful camp location in the Nebraska National Forest in Halsey, Nebraska!
- 4 and 5 day residential camp sessions available for ages 8-18.
- New and Improved Teen Leadership session in partnership with The Bay – Lincoln.
- Transportation option available select weeks from Lincoln or Grand Island.
- Scholarships available and refer a NEW camper discount until Jan. 31 – https://4h.unl.edu/camps-centers/summer-camp/scholarship
- View full descriptions and register online here: https://4h.unl.edu/camps-centers/summer-camp/schedule
Camp Renegade and Camp Venture
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
MARCH
March 3 - Message Board Workshop @ Nelson 4-5:30 p.m.
March 8 - YQCA @ Deshler 6-7 p.m.
March 11 - Lucky Stradley Monster Planter Pottery Workshop @ Hebron, 1:30 - 4:30
March 15 - Thayer County 4-H Council Scholarship Applications Due Via Email or Hard Copy to the office
APRIL
April 3 - Southern Plains Public Speaking Contest @ Deshler 2-4 p.m.
April 11 - Wild Rag Workshop @ Nelson 4-5:30 p.m.
April 21 - First Aid Kit Workshop @ Hebron 4-5:30 p.m.
April 24 - YQCA @ Nelson 1-2 p.m. - last chance for in person training in Nuckolls/Thayer
April 24 - Small Animal Showmanship Clinic @ Nelson Fairgrounds - 2-5 p.m.
April 25 - 4-H Kick Off Event @ Deshler Fairgrounds - 3:30-6:30 p.m.
MAY
May 17 - Thayer County Sheep/Goat Beginning Weigh In 6-8 p.m. @ Deshler Fairgrounds
May 18 - Nuckolls County Sheep/Goat Beginning Weigh In 6-8 p.m. @ Nelson Fairgrounds
May 23 - Nuckolls-Thayer Livestock Judging Contest Great Plains Circuit @ Nelson
May 25 - Horse Judging Contest @ Pitzer Ranch
JUNE
June 3-17 - 2022 CWF Trip
June 22-23 - Premiere Animal Science Events @ UNL East Campus
June 24 - State 4-H Public Speaking Contest @ UNL East Campus
JULY
July 9-13 - Nuckolls County Fair
AUGUST
August 10-13 - Thayer County Fair
Next Meeting
Next Meeting
Next Meeting
Nuckolls County Extension Office
Email: nuckolls-county@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/southernplains/
Location: 825 S Main St, Nelson, NE, USA
Phone: 402-225-2381
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernPlainsExt/
Thayer County Extension Office
Email: thayer-county@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/southernplains/
Location: 225 N 4th St, Hebron, NE, USA
Phone: 402-768-7212
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthernPlainsExt/